Evolution of The Wild Beast: A Photo Essay

The Wild Beast officially opened in May 2010.

Last summer, we provided you a Glimpse of the Wild Beast, and talked about the origins of the Hodgetts + Fung-designed 3,200-square foot performance and rehearsal space that would allow The Herb Alpert School of Music at CalArts to better serve its growing student population and present more public concerts.

Following the official groundbreaking on Oct. 1, 2007, the creation of The Wild Beast has been a 3-year process. From the building’s construction, to installing the sound system, to the landscaping, The Wild Beast has evolved from a pile of dirt into the multiuse indoor/outdoor venue it is today. Although the official dedication and celebration of The Wild Beast occurred in May, the space has been home to numerous CalArts events throughout the spring semester.

View the genesis of The Wild Beast in a photo gallery below. And for a more detailed history of The Wild Beast, please visit the CalArts Magazine article, “The Birth of the Beast.”

24700 is CalArts' online space dedicated to sharing news and work of the larger CalArts community from around the world. The blog captures stories of the exploration of new forms and expressions in the arts by our students, faculty, staff and alumni.